I. Introduction
The Security Union aims to ensure that the EU plays its full role in ensuring the safety of citizens while respecting the values that define the European way of life. Implementation is progressing on all four strategic priorities set out in the Security Union Strategy1: (i) a future-proof security environment; (ii) tackling evolving threats; (iii) protecting Europeans from terrorism and organised crime; and (iv) a strong European security ecosystem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated key vulnerabilities, while threats and challenges to European security continue to evolve in response to changing technologies and international developments. The second Security Union report2 charted the particular challenges for security presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This third report focuses on the developments of the past six months linked to the most significant emerging threats in this period. It highlights in particular the need to intensify cooperation not only within the EU, but also internationally, with a broad array of stakeholders and partners.
The Security Union Strategy is being taken forward in the context of threats that are increasingly cross-border and cross-sectoral. The digital world continues to be exploited for malicious ends. Cyber-attacks originating in or outside Europe, including ransomware, are ever more frequent, hitting core state functions, such as healthcare and crucial infrastructure, industries and public bodies, as well as individuals. Foreign information manipulation and interference activities are on the rise, and have in some cases gone hand in hand with cyber activities, in particular hack and leak operations.
Organised crime of all kinds continues to operate cross-border, and an effective response relies on partnerships beyond the EU. International developments require vigilance in the context of potential radicalisation and terrorism, as well as hybrid attacks including, during this reporting period, at the EU’s external border.
To address these increasingly sophisticated global and cross-border threats, the EU is stepping up not only its own response but also cooperation with international partners. This is a core theme of this report.
At the same time, work is intensifying to reinforce security in the Schengen area. Close cooperation between Member States is crucial to the overall security of the Schengen area. A substantial new package including measures to enhance police cooperation and the security of the Schengen area has been prepared by the Commission to provide further improvements in this regard.
EU agencies are fully involved in this work through their operational activities in support of Member States’ national authorities, and by providing expertise, information and situational awareness on the most pressing threats.
Further details and updates on the full range of initiatives under the Security Union are presented in an Annex to this Communication.
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